US3173032A - Means for close placement of electrode plates in a thermionic converter - Google Patents
Means for close placement of electrode plates in a thermionic converter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3173032A US3173032A US839702A US83970259A US3173032A US 3173032 A US3173032 A US 3173032A US 839702 A US839702 A US 839702A US 83970259 A US83970259 A US 83970259A US 3173032 A US3173032 A US 3173032A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cathode
- anode
- particles
- thermionic
- opposing surfaces
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 46
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 20
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 14
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 6
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000002285 radioactive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011195 cermet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000005350 fused silica glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005036 potential barrier Methods 0.000 description 3
- IATRAKWUXMZMIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Sr+2] IATRAKWUXMZMIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QVQLCTNNEUAWMS-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium oxide Chemical compound [Ba]=O QVQLCTNNEUAWMS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 108091034120 Epstein–Barr virus-encoded small RNA Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 206010037660 Pyrexia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Zr]=O MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- -1 ZrN Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010975 amethyst Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010406 cathode material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052878 cordierite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010431 corundum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052593 corundum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- JSKIRARMQDRGJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimagnesium dioxido-bis[(1-oxido-3-oxo-2,4,6,8,9-pentaoxa-1,3-disila-5,7-dialuminabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-7-yl)oxy]silane Chemical compound [Mg++].[Mg++].[O-][Si]([O-])(O[Al]1O[Al]2O[Si](=O)O[Si]([O-])(O1)O2)O[Al]1O[Al]2O[Si](=O)O[Si]([O-])(O1)O2 JSKIRARMQDRGJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KZHJGOXRZJKJNY-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O KZHJGOXRZJKJNY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009501 film coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003574 free electron Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012886 linear function Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052863 mullite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Al]O[Al]=O TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052573 porcelain Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- QHGVXILFMXYDRS-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyraclofos Chemical compound C1=C(OP(=O)(OCC)SCCC)C=NN1C1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1 QHGVXILFMXYDRS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003870 refractory metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010979 ruby Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001750 ruby Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010980 sapphire Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052851 sillimanite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003671 uranium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001771 vacuum deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052845 zircon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000003755 zirconium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- GFQYVLUOOAAOGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N zirconium(iv) silicate Chemical compound [Zr+4].[O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] GFQYVLUOOAAOGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J45/00—Discharge tubes functioning as thermionic generators
Definitions
- This invention relates to a thermionic converter, and more particularly to the use of uniform, finely divided insulating particles disposed between the electrode plates of a thermionic converter element to effect a very close spacing of the plates which increases the electron flow to the anode, electron emission from the cathode due to reduction of space charge, and thermal efiiciency oi the device.
- thermionic emission is the fiow of electrons from a conductor surface subjected to heat.
- an electron absorbing or attracting surface, or anode is placed in close proximity to an electron emitting metal surface, and a complete external circuit is provided, the flow of electrons creates an electrical current through the circuit.
- thermoelectric couples Other devices which convert heat to electricity are known as thermoelectric couples. These may be used in series to increase the available electromotive force, and are then referred to as thermopiles.
- Thermopiles and, more specifically thermoelectric couples are comprised of dissimilar metals or dissimilar (p and n type) semiconductor elements, which are physically connected at one end to form an electrical junction. The open ends of the elements are electrically connected to a resistance load which consumes the generated power. Applying heat to the junction so formed, creates a'temperature difference and thermal gradient along each element, giving rise to Seebeck and Thomson potentials.
- the Seebeck potential is an electromotive force'developed if two different homogeneous conductor phases are joined at both ends, and the two junctions are kept at diiferent temperatures.
- the Thomson potential refers to the thermal gradient withina homogeneous conductor, and since it occurs in a single material it is difiicult to measure.
- the Seebeck and Thomsonpotentials created by heating the elements produce a source of electrical energy to power an external load.
- Heat conducted from the hot junction through each element to the cold junction limits the maximum temperature differential that can be maintained, and hence the available power output and thermal efiiciency is also limited.
- semicorb ductor elements are doped with impurity atoms, usually resulting in' an undesired increase in element resistivity. Due to the relatively high resistivity and high thermal conductivity of the elements, the output current density and voltage output per couple is inherently low.
- thermoelectric generator is another thermoelectric device which is similar to the thermo-couple.
- the thermionic generator has a portion of the thermo-couple circuit replaced with a separated'conducting' space which may contain an inert gas, an ionized gas, or which may be evacuated. This minute, evacuated or gas filled space serves as an excellent thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer from cathode to anode, while offering very little impedance to the flow of electrons. Radiation losses 3,173,032 Patented Mar. .9, 1965 from the hot cathode are practically independent of the anode position or gap spacing.
- T electron current density escaping to the anode
- A characteristic saturation emission constant of the emitting surface
- T cathode emitter temperature
- Boltzmanns constant 5 cathode work function potential (electron volts)
- p latitude and low-latency charge potential due to electron-electron interactions and collision scattering.
- any appreciable increase in the cathode operatingtemperature will greatly increase the output. current, and hence the overall efliciency of the thermionic converter. More specifically, increasing the cathode temperature has the desired efiect of increasing the amplitude of atom vibration and the number of elastic collisions between electrons and atoms, thus increasing the number of electrons which have enough energy to escape from the surface potential barrier of the emitting metal. Once the electrons escape, they are subject to whatever potential fields exist above the cathode surface. Electrons which .cscapeboth the potential barrier of the cathode and the retarding space charge potential field, are attracted to the anode due to image charge.
- the anode In order to trap the maximumnumber of the free electrons at the anode, it is desirableto place the anode as close in proximity as possible to the.cathode, leav.ing only sufficient space between the cathode and anode plates to prevent electrical shorting. Closer spacing allows a higher current, higher power output and better overall thermal eiiiciency, although output voltage-may be slightly lower. Current and power increase approximately as a function of 1/ X2 where x is the spacing, while the output voltage decreases, as only a small linear function of the gap spacing as it is reduced.
- a thermionic device having a minutely separated cathode and anode has greater capacity to perform eflicientlywhen compared to a thermoelectric couple of the same size and materials. Also, more intense heat sources can be used to drive a thermionic converter. Solar energy, atomic energy, and high temperature combustion energy, or a combination thereof, maybe used to create direct current electrical energy.
- the thermionic converter of thepresent invention comprises. an electron emitting cathode, an electron collecting anode disposed in intimate, spaced relationship to said cathode, and a plurality-of finely divided particles of a substance having a high melting point, high resistance to crushing, and high electrical resistance at the working temperature disposed between the opposing surfaces of the anode and the cathode.
- a ceramic seal is employed around the edges of the anode and the cathode for sealing the chamber therebetween and for electrically separating the members.
- Electrical conducting leads connect the anode and cathode to a resistance load, thereby utilizing the electrical power generated by thermionic emission.
- the minute particles having a size in the range of .2 to 1000 microns, are formed of a substance such as diamond, metal oxides and the like and are applied to either the cathode or the anode surface by spraying, sputtering, printing, chemical coating process, or electrode deposition.
- the thermionic converter has no moving parts, utilizes high temperature heat sources, and produces electricity directly from heat energy at improved efiiciency because of the novel cathode and anode spacing means.
- FIGURE 1 is a vertical section of a thermionic converter with a cooling jacket surrounding the anode plate;
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the device shown in FIGURE 1, with the respective layers broken away to show the random distribution of the particles and the relationship of the cooling jacket to the anode plate;
- FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged sectional view showing the jagged particles imbedded in the cathode and anode plate surfaces
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified form of the invention showing a series of electrode plates in thermal cascade;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the thermal cascade device of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view with parts broken away to show internal details of construction of a second modified form of the invention showing a thermionic converter element in an atomic reactor.
- FIGURES 1-3 illustrate a thermionic converter comprising a cathode plate 1 and an anode plate 2 which are spaced apart by a plurality of minute, uniform size particles 3.
- a cathode 1 is a thin, rectangular plate formed of a metal, a metallic oxide or a cermet having good thermionic emission properties, and which will remain in the solid state at the operating temperature range, which may be up to 4000 K.
- a cermet is a combination of a refractory metal and a highly emissive oxide and most of the cermet have high melting points and can be used as a cathode material at the higher operation temperature ranges up to about 3500 K.
- a surface coating 4 may be added to the cathode 1 as shown in FIGURE 1.
- the surface coating 4 is a crystal complex of barium oxide and strontium oxide (BrO-SrO) from one to several monolayers thick, and it substantially covers the top surface of the cathode 1.
- the surface coating 4 increases electron emission of the cathode 1.
- An anode 2 is a thin, rectangular plate and complements the cathode 1 in size and shape.
- the anode 2 is disposed parallel to, and in close relationship to the cathode 1, being spaced apart therefrom at a distance in the range from .2 to 1000 microns by particles 3.
- the anode 2 is formed of a metal such as nickel, and serves to collect the electrons emitted from the cathode 1.
- the particles 3 are a substance having a high melting point, high resistance to crushing, and high electrical resistance.
- the melting point of the particles 3 is in the range from 1000 K. to 4000 K. and the particular operating temperature of the thermionic converter determines the material selected for use as particles 3, since it is desirable that the particles 3 have a melting point more than 200 K. above the operating temperature to insure permanent spacing of the cathode 1 from the anode 2.
- the particles 3 should have a thermal conductivity less than 1.25 ca1.-cm./cm. C./sec. Assuming the effective projected area of the grains does not exceed 10% of cathode emissive area, and that maximum permissible leakage is to be no more than 1% of the output current per unit of area of the cathode 1, the electrical resistivity of the particles 3 should be no less than 1 10 ohm-cm.
- the compressive strength of the particles at the operating temperature should be greater than 150 psi. assuming a maximum of 10% coverage of the emissive surface of the cathode 1. A greater degree of particle coverage may be used, but will decrease the efiiciency of the device.
- the compressive strength requirements will depend upon the total external load to which the particles 3 are subjected and is a function, also of particle distribution density on the cathode 1. Approximate requirements are as follows:
- the compressive strength of the particles 3 When the external load increases, the compressive strength of the particles 3 must be higher, by the proportion factor of times greater compressive strength per p.s.i. increase, in the situation of 1% particle density on the cathode surface. Where particle density is 10% of the cathode surface, then compressive strength of the particles 3 must be increased 10 times for each additional p.s.i. of external load.
- the particles 3 may be any of the following compounds: MgO; CaO-MgO-SiO MgO-SiO (steatite); 2Mg0 SiO (bosterite); ZrO Si0 (zircon); MgO 2Al O 5SiO (cordierite); crystal forms of Al O including alumina or Alundum; ruby; corundum; sapphire; diamond; mixtures of compounds which contain relatively large amounts of A1 0 including mullite, sillimanite and firebrick (53% SiO 43% A1 0 glass, including fused quartz, Vycor, porcelain, agate and amethyst; zirconium compounds, including ZrN, Z1'Br ZrO (white) and baddeleyite (yellow or brown ZrO and the like.
- the particles 3 have a size in the range of 0.2 to 1000 microns and serve to space apart the cathode 1 and the anode 2 at a fixed distance.
- the cathode 1 and the anode 2 may be very thin metal plates, because the particles 3 also provide internal mechanical support in the chamber formed by the cathode 1 and the anode 2, preventing buckling due to external pressure and thermal expansion.
- the cathode 1 and anode 2 are connected in an electrical circuit with a resistance load, not shown, by conductor leads 5 and 6, which are connected to the cathode and anode, respectively.
- the resistance load may be an electric motor, a transistorized television receiver (which operates on direct current), storage batteries for domestic and industrial use, or any other electrically driven appliance or device.
- each cell of a thermionic device is a high current, low voltage source of electric power.
- Individual thermionic cells may be electrically connected in series or parallel to produce voltagecurrent combinations for specific uses.
- Auxiliary equipment such as rotary inverters, vibrators and transformer-rectifier combinations may be used to produce voltage or current combinations of AC, or high voltage DC.
- a seal 7 is located between the periphery of the cathode 1 and the anode and around the conductor lead 6 where it leaves the cooling jacket 9.
- the seal 7 is an insulating ceramic material which has very low thermal conductivity and high electrical resistivity. Many of the materials described above for use as particles 3 would also be suitable for use as the seal 7. Specific materials which may be used for the seal 7 are aluminum oxide, fused silica or quartz.
- the cathode 1 and the anode 2 are bonded or fused to the seal 7, so that the chamber therebetween may be evacuated.
- the seal 7 electrically separates the cathode 1 and the anode 2, and serves to complete the walls of the sealed chamber of the thermionic device.
- the seal 7 on the conductor lead 6 serves the same purpose also.
- the heat source 8 is a gas burner, but the heat source may also take the form of heat of combustion, focused solar heat, heat of a thermonuclear reaction, or chemical heat other than combustion.
- the heat source may attain temperatures in the range from l000 K. to 4000 K.
- the normal range of the combustion heat source 8 shown in FIGURE 1 is 1000 K. to 2000 K., but solar heat sources operate at temperatures closer to 4000 K.
- a cooling jacket 9 surrounds the outer surface of the anode 2 and serves to increase the temperature differential between the cathode and anode.
- the jacket 9 is connected to the seal '7 or anode 2 by brazing or fusion welding and completely encloses the outer surface of the anode 2.
- the cooling jacket 9 may be formed of any metallic material which readily conducts away heat and defines a chamber which contains a cooling medium. Circulating means may be provided for the liquid or gas coolant with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 on the cooling jacket 9.
- the cooling jacket 9 may be equipped with cooling fins 11. The cooling fins 11 increase the total heat transfer surface, and further aid in cooling the anode 2.
- the cooling fins 11 may be fitted directly to the back of the anode 2.
- the cooling medium in chamber 10 serves to increase the temperature differential between the cathode 1 and the anode 2, thereby increasing thermionic efficiency.
- the thermionic device shown in FIGURES 1-3 may be assembled in the following manner.
- the cathode 1 is first coated on one surface with a thin film of the B210 -SrO coating 4.
- the particles 3 may then be applied to the coated surface of the cathode 1 by spraying, sputtering, brushing or vacuum deposition.
- the anode 2 which complements the cathode 1 in size and shape, is then placed over the coated surface in substantial alignment therewith and pressure is applied from outside both the anode 2 and the cathode 1, forcing their opposing surfaces into close proximity in spaced relationship, and causing the edges of the particles 3 to embed in the opposing surfaces of the anode and the cathode.
- the surface of the particles is irregular and the edges of the particles 3 penetrate through the thin film coating 4 on the cathode 1.
- a resilient clamping means such as a rubber cushioned vise, is used to force the anode and cathode together.
- the seal 7 is then inserted between the peripheral edges of the anode and cathode, electrically separating these elements and forming a chamber 10a therebetween. A small opening is left in the seal 7 for evacuating the chamber 10a.
- the ceramic-to-metal seal may be accomplished by a brazing method such as described in US. Patent 2,836,885 to MacDonald.
- Conductor leads 5 and 6 are then connected to the cathode 1 and the anode 2, respectively, by such means as soldering, fusion welding or minute bolts.
- the chamber 10a is then evacuated by means such as a high vacuum pump through the opening left for this purpose in the seal 7.
- Evacuation of the chamber 10a causes the cathode 1 and the anode 2 to further bear against the particles 3, permanently disposing the particles in fixed positions between the opposing surfaces of the cathode 1 and the anode 2.
- the small opening in the seal 7 is then permanently sealed and the structure is removed from the resilient clamping means.
- the cooling jacket 9 having a small diameter opening to allow for the passage of the conductor lead 6 from the cooled anode 2 is then disposed around anode 2.
- the conductor lead 6 is passed through the opening and drawn up tight and the peripheral edges of the cooling jacket are connected to the seal 7 by means such as the brazing method previously cited.
- the chamber 10a is filled with an inert gas or a plurality of ionizable gases.
- gases generally have low vapor pressure, and an external insulated clamping means may be added to hold the cathode 1 and the anode 2 in close spaced relationship.
- thermal energy is applied from the heat source 8 to the cathode 1, bringing its temperature up to the operating range, 1000 K. to 4000 K.
- the heated cathode 1 emits electrons from its upper surface, aided by the effect of the coating 4.
- Emitted electrons are collected by the anode 2, and an builds up across the chamber 10a.
- Electric energy flows from the anode 2 through the conductor lead 6 to the resistance load which uses the generated electricity to function.
- a thermionic device has no moving parts, and is inherently a source of DC. electricity having low voltage and high amperage.
- the closely spaced relationship of the opposing surfaces of the anode 2 and the cathode 1 improves the thermionic efiiciency of this device by reducing the major obstacles to high density electron flow.
- FIG. 4 Another form of a thermionic device is shown in FIG. 4.
- a cathode plate 14, an anode-cathode plate 15, and an anode plate 16 are placed in thermal cascade to increase efficiency by utilizing excess thermal energy, which passes through the cathode plate 14 to heat the anodecathode plate 15.
- the plates 14, 15 and 16 are spaced apart by a plurality of particles 17, similar in composition and function to the particles 3 of the first embodiment.
- the cascaded device is preferably circular, and the succeeding plates are progressively larger in surface area, as shown in FIG. 4, to maintain uniform current output per cell.
- the combination anode-cathode plate 1.5 serves a dual function in operation for its lower surface collects electrons emitted from the cathode plate 14, and its upper surface emits electrons which are collected by the anode plate 1.6.
- a seal 18 similar to the seal '7 in material and function separates and seals the edges of the plates and conductor leads 19 and 20 are connected only to the cathode plate 14 and the anode plate 16, respectively, and function as do the conductor leads 5 and 6 of the first embodiment.
- Assembly of this device is substantially as described above in connection with FIGURE 1, except the particles 17 are applied to both sides of the anode-cathode plate 15, before assembling the anode plate 16 and the cathode plate 14 on the opposite surfaces of the anodecathode plate 15.
- FIG. 6 shows a second modified form of the invention in which the thermionic device has a radioactive cathode.
- a cylindrical radioactive cathode 19 is employed and is formed of a substance such as an uranium compound which readily generates heat when bombarded by neutrons, and emits electrons at a high rate.
- a cylindrical anode 20 is spaced outwardly of the radioactive cathode 19 and is formed of a metal, such as aluminum, which freely allows passage of neutrons through to the cathode 19.
- the anode 20 functions in a manner similar to the anode 2 of the first embodiment.
- a cylindrical jacket 22 surrounds the device, and is formed of an insulating material.
- a series of supporting members 23 position the cooling jacket 22 around the anode 20 and are fabricated from a material similar to that of cooling jacket 22.
- An oil coolant is introduced into the chamber 24- between jacket 22 and 7? anode 20 through an inlet and is withdrawn through outlet 26 during operation.
- Conductor leads 27 and 28 are connected to the cath ode 19and the anode 20, respectively.
- the conductor leads 27 and 28 are insulated from the cooling jacket 22 by means of seals 29, which are substantially similar to the seal 7 of the first embodiment.
- the thermionic device shown in FIG. 6 is placed in the core of an atomic reactor. Neutrons from the reactor bombard the radioactive cathode 19, passing through the cooling jacket 22 and the anode 28, which are both neutron windows. Neutron bombardment causes the cathode 19 to heat up and emit electrons, which are then collected by the closely spaced anode 211.
- This device effectively bypasses the intermediate step performed by turbines in the present conversion of nuclear power to electricity. It also eliminates the shielding problems inherent in turbines which use radioactive steam.
- This device also has the advantages described above in connection with the first embodiment, that is, it has no moving parts and inherently produces low volt-- age, high amperage current.
- a thermionic converter comprising an electron emitting cathode, an electron collecting anode disposed in spaced relation to said cathode, means for heating the cathode, a plurality of finely divided particles disposed between the opposing surfaces of the anode and cathode, said particles being haphazardly arranged between said opposing surfaces and having irregular edges penetrating and imbedded in conforming irregular openings in said surfaces to provide a substantially uniform spacing in a range from 0.2 to 1000 microns between said opposing surfaces, said particles having a melting point in 8 the range of 1000" K. to 4000 K.
- a thermionic converter comprising an electron emitting cathode, an electron collecting anode, heating means for heating the electron emitting cathode, cooling means for cooling the electron collecting anode to maintain a temperature differential between said anode and cathode, spacing means disposed between and in contact with the opposing surfaces of the cathode and the anode, said spacing means comprising finely divided particles of a substance selected from the group of metallic oxides consisting of A1 0 ZrO Si0 MgO, BeO and mixtures thereof and having a size in the range of 0.2 to 10 microns, said particles being randomly distributed between the opposing surfaces, being of irregular shape and having jagged edges penetrating and irnbedded in the opposing surfaces of said anode and cathode, whereby the thermal efiiciency of the thermionic converter is substantially increased by decreasing the electric potential barriers to electron flow from the electron emitting cathode to the electron collecting anode.
Description
March 9, 1965 J, MAYNARD 3,173,032
MEANS FOR CLOSE PLACEMENT OF ELECTRODE PLATES IN A THERMIONIC CONVERTER Filed Sept. 14, 1959 2 SheetsSheet 1 ,MHmunm INVENTOR.
JOHN T. MYJMHD Oqttorne gs March 9, 1965 J. T. MAYNARD MEANS F OR CLOSE PLACEMENT OF ELECTRODE PLATE IN A THERMIONIC CONVERTER Filed Sept. 14, 1959 INVENTOR. JUHN T. AMI [MED BY III/111111111111? OVi'forneqs United States Patent T saunas MEAN Milt QLUSE PLACEMENT @F ELECTRGDE PLATES TN A THERMIGNKC CUNVERTER John T. Maynard, West Allis, Wis, assignor to A. 0.
Smith Corporation, Milwaukee, Win, a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 14, 1959, Ser. No. 839,702 2 Claims. (Ci. Bald-4) This invention relates to a thermionic converter, and more particularly to the use of uniform, finely divided insulating particles disposed between the electrode plates of a thermionic converter element to effect a very close spacing of the plates which increases the electron flow to the anode, electron emission from the cathode due to reduction of space charge, and thermal efiiciency oi the device.
There have been numerous attempts in recent years to develop efiicient heat-toelectricity converters. Various devices have been created which utilize the phenomena of thermionic emission. The British Patent 741,058, to David Malcolm .lohnstone, covers such a device. Basically, thermionic emission is the fiow of electrons from a conductor surface subjected to heat. When an electron absorbing or attracting surface, or anode, is placed in close proximity to an electron emitting metal surface, and a complete external circuit is provided, the flow of electrons creates an electrical current through the circuit.
Other devices which convert heat to electricity are known as thermoelectric couples. These may be used in series to increase the available electromotive force, and are then referred to as thermopiles. Thermopiles and, more specifically thermoelectric couples, are comprised of dissimilar metals or dissimilar (p and n type) semiconductor elements, which are physically connected at one end to form an electrical junction. The open ends of the elements are electrically connected to a resistance load which consumes the generated power. Applying heat to the junction so formed, creates a'temperature difference and thermal gradient along each element, giving rise to Seebeck and Thomson potentials. The Seebeck potential is an electromotive force'developed if two different homogeneous conductor phases are joined at both ends, and the two junctions are kept at diiferent temperatures. The Thomson potential refers to the thermal gradient withina homogeneous conductor, and since it occurs in a single material it is difiicult to measure.
The Seebeck and Thomsonpotentials created by heating the elements produce a source of electrical energy to power an external load. The higher the temperature differential that can be maintained between the hot and cold junctiornthe higher will be the electromotive force potential that is available to power an external load. Heat conducted from the hot junction through each element to the cold junction limits the maximum temperature differential that can be maintained, and hence the available power output and thermal efiiciency is also limited.
In an GlTOl'i to reduce thermal conductivity, semicorb ductor elements are doped with impurity atoms, usually resulting in' an undesired increase in element resistivity. Due to the relatively high resistivity and high thermal conductivity of the elements, the output current density and voltage output per couple is inherently low.
. Athermionic generator is another thermoelectric device which is similar to the thermo-couple. The thermionic generator has a portion of the thermo-couple circuit replaced with a separated'conducting' space which may contain an inert gas, an ionized gas, or which may be evacuated. This minute, evacuated or gas filled space serves as an excellent thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer from cathode to anode, while offering very little impedance to the flow of electrons. Radiation losses 3,173,032 Patented Mar. .9, 1965 from the hot cathode are practically independent of the anode position or gap spacing. Extremely high tempera ture difiierences, or gradients, between the anode and the cathode may be easily maintained and are limited only by the melting points of the cathode, and not by conduction losses, as in the case of a semi-conductor thermo-couple.
The importance of a high cathode temperature is exhibited by the Richardson-Dushman thermionic emission equation for saturation current under zero field conditions. This equation must be modified to include any additional potential fields to which an escaping electron may be subjected. One such force is a retarding space charge field above the cathode. Assuming that the anode temperature is sufiiciently low to prevent any current flow from the anode to cathode, the following-equation illustrates thetemperature dependence of electron flow:
o 0 (c+sc) HCT Where:
T equals electron current density escaping to the anode, A equals characteristic saturation emission constant of the emitting surface, T equals cathode emitter temperature, it equals Boltzmanns constant 5 equals cathode work function potential (electron volts), p equalslspace charge potential due to electron-electron interactions and collision scattering.
It can be seen that any appreciable increase in the cathode operatingtemperature will greatly increase the output. current, and hence the overall efliciency of the thermionic converter. More specifically, increasing the cathode temperature has the desired efiect of increasing the amplitude of atom vibration and the number of elastic collisions between electrons and atoms, thus increasing the number of electrons which have enough energy to escape from the surface potential barrier of the emitting metal. Once the electrons escape, they are subject to whatever potential fields exist above the cathode surface. Electrons which .cscapeboth the potential barrier of the cathode and the retarding space charge potential field, are attracted to the anode due to image charge. In order to trap the maximumnumber of the free electrons at the anode, it is desirableto place the anode as close in proximity as possible to the.cathode, leav.ing only sufficient space between the cathode and anode plates to prevent electrical shorting. Closer spacing allows a higher current, higher power output and better overall thermal eiiiciency, although output voltage-may be slightly lower. Current and power increase approximately as a function of 1/ X2 where x is the spacing, while the output voltage decreases, as only a small linear function of the gap spacing as it is reduced.
k In view ofthe foregoing, it can be seen that a thermionic device, having a minutely separated cathode and anode has greater capacity to perform eflicientlywhen compared to a thermoelectric couple of the same size and materials. Also, more intense heat sources can be used to drive a thermionic converter. Solar energy, atomic energy, and high temperature combustion energy, or a combination thereof, maybe used to create direct current electrical energy.
ln general, the thermionic converter of thepresent invention comprises. an electron emitting cathode, an electron collecting anode disposed in intimate, spaced relationship to said cathode, and a plurality-of finely divided particles of a substance having a high melting point, high resistance to crushing, and high electrical resistance at the working temperature disposed between the opposing surfaces of the anode and the cathode. A ceramic seal is employed around the edges of the anode and the cathode for sealing the chamber therebetween and for electrically separating the members. Electrical conducting leads connect the anode and cathode to a resistance load, thereby utilizing the electrical power generated by thermionic emission.
According to the invention, the minute particles, having a size in the range of .2 to 1000 microns, are formed of a substance such as diamond, metal oxides and the like and are applied to either the cathode or the anode surface by spraying, sputtering, printing, chemical coating process, or electrode deposition.
The thermionic converter has no moving parts, utilizes high temperature heat sources, and produces electricity directly from heat energy at improved efiiciency because of the novel cathode and anode spacing means. Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear in the course of the following description.
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a vertical section of a thermionic converter with a cooling jacket surrounding the anode plate;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the device shown in FIGURE 1, with the respective layers broken away to show the random distribution of the particles and the relationship of the cooling jacket to the anode plate;
FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged sectional view showing the jagged particles imbedded in the cathode and anode plate surfaces;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified form of the invention showing a series of electrode plates in thermal cascade;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the thermal cascade device of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view with parts broken away to show internal details of construction of a second modified form of the invention showing a thermionic converter element in an atomic reactor.
FIGURES 1-3 illustrate a thermionic converter comprising a cathode plate 1 and an anode plate 2 which are spaced apart by a plurality of minute, uniform size particles 3.
A cathode 1 is a thin, rectangular plate formed of a metal, a metallic oxide or a cermet having good thermionic emission properties, and which will remain in the solid state at the operating temperature range, which may be up to 4000 K. A cermet is a combination of a refractory metal and a highly emissive oxide and most of the cermet have high melting points and can be used as a cathode material at the higher operation temperature ranges up to about 3500 K.
A surface coating 4 may be added to the cathode 1 as shown in FIGURE 1. The surface coating 4 is a crystal complex of barium oxide and strontium oxide (BrO-SrO) from one to several monolayers thick, and it substantially covers the top surface of the cathode 1. The surface coating 4 increases electron emission of the cathode 1.
An anode 2 is a thin, rectangular plate and complements the cathode 1 in size and shape. The anode 2 is disposed parallel to, and in close relationship to the cathode 1, being spaced apart therefrom at a distance in the range from .2 to 1000 microns by particles 3. The anode 2 is formed of a metal such as nickel, and serves to collect the electrons emitted from the cathode 1.
The particles 3 are a substance having a high melting point, high resistance to crushing, and high electrical resistance. The melting point of the particles 3 is in the range from 1000 K. to 4000 K. and the particular operating temperature of the thermionic converter determines the material selected for use as particles 3, since it is desirable that the particles 3 have a melting point more than 200 K. above the operating temperature to insure permanent spacing of the cathode 1 from the anode 2.
The particles 3 should have a thermal conductivity less than 1.25 ca1.-cm./cm. C./sec. Assuming the effective projected area of the grains does not exceed 10% of cathode emissive area, and that maximum permissible leakage is to be no more than 1% of the output current per unit of area of the cathode 1, the electrical resistivity of the particles 3 should be no less than 1 10 ohm-cm.
The compressive strength of the particles at the operating temperature should be greater than 150 psi. assuming a maximum of 10% coverage of the emissive surface of the cathode 1. A greater degree of particle coverage may be used, but will decrease the efiiciency of the device. The compressive strength requirements will depend upon the total external load to which the particles 3 are subjected and is a function, also of particle distribution density on the cathode 1. Approximate requirements are as follows:
When the external load increases, the compressive strength of the particles 3 must be higher, by the proportion factor of times greater compressive strength per p.s.i. increase, in the situation of 1% particle density on the cathode surface. Where particle density is 10% of the cathode surface, then compressive strength of the particles 3 must be increased 10 times for each additional p.s.i. of external load.
The particles 3 may be any of the following compounds: MgO; CaO-MgO-SiO MgO-SiO (steatite); 2Mg0 SiO (bosterite); ZrO Si0 (zircon); MgO 2Al O 5SiO (cordierite); crystal forms of Al O including alumina or Alundum; ruby; corundum; sapphire; diamond; mixtures of compounds which contain relatively large amounts of A1 0 including mullite, sillimanite and firebrick (53% SiO 43% A1 0 glass, including fused quartz, Vycor, porcelain, agate and amethyst; zirconium compounds, including ZrN, Z1'Br ZrO (white) and baddeleyite (yellow or brown ZrO and the like.
The particles 3 have a size in the range of 0.2 to 1000 microns and serve to space apart the cathode 1 and the anode 2 at a fixed distance. The cathode 1 and the anode 2 may be very thin metal plates, because the particles 3 also provide internal mechanical support in the chamber formed by the cathode 1 and the anode 2, preventing buckling due to external pressure and thermal expansion.
The cathode 1 and anode 2 are connected in an electrical circuit with a resistance load, not shown, by conductor leads 5 and 6, which are connected to the cathode and anode, respectively. The resistance load may be an electric motor, a transistorized television receiver (which operates on direct current), storage batteries for domestic and industrial use, or any other electrically driven appliance or device.
Inherently, each cell of a thermionic device is a high current, low voltage source of electric power. Individual thermionic cells may be electrically connected in series or parallel to produce voltagecurrent combinations for specific uses. Auxiliary equipment such as rotary inverters, vibrators and transformer-rectifier combinations may be used to produce voltage or current combinations of AC, or high voltage DC.
A seal 7 is located between the periphery of the cathode 1 and the anode and around the conductor lead 6 where it leaves the cooling jacket 9. The seal 7 is an insulating ceramic material which has very low thermal conductivity and high electrical resistivity. Many of the materials described above for use as particles 3 would also be suitable for use as the seal 7. Specific materials which may be used for the seal 7 are aluminum oxide, fused silica or quartz. The cathode 1 and the anode 2 are bonded or fused to the seal 7, so that the chamber therebetween may be evacuated. The seal 7 electrically separates the cathode 1 and the anode 2, and serves to complete the walls of the sealed chamber of the thermionic device. The seal 7 on the conductor lead 6 serves the same purpose also.
Energy is applied to the device by a heat source 8 which is located with its focal point on the outer surface of the cathode 1. The heat source 8, as shown in FIG- URE 1, is a gas burner, but the heat source may also take the form of heat of combustion, focused solar heat, heat of a thermonuclear reaction, or chemical heat other than combustion. The heat source may attain temperatures in the range from l000 K. to 4000 K. The normal range of the combustion heat source 8 shown in FIGURE 1 is 1000 K. to 2000 K., but solar heat sources operate at temperatures closer to 4000 K.
A cooling jacket 9 surrounds the outer surface of the anode 2 and serves to increase the temperature differential between the cathode and anode. The jacket 9 is connected to the seal '7 or anode 2 by brazing or fusion welding and completely encloses the outer surface of the anode 2. The cooling jacket 9 may be formed of any metallic material which readily conducts away heat and defines a chamber which contains a cooling medium. Circulating means may be provided for the liquid or gas coolant with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 on the cooling jacket 9. To increase the heat transfer, the cooling jacket 9 may be equipped with cooling fins 11. The cooling fins 11 increase the total heat transfer surface, and further aid in cooling the anode 2. Alternately, in a modified form of this device which does not have a cooling jacket, the cooling fins 11 may be fitted directly to the back of the anode 2. The cooling medium in chamber 10 serves to increase the temperature differential between the cathode 1 and the anode 2, thereby increasing thermionic efficiency.
The thermionic device shown in FIGURES 1-3 may be assembled in the following manner. The cathode 1 is first coated on one surface with a thin film of the B210 -SrO coating 4. The particles 3 may then be applied to the coated surface of the cathode 1 by spraying, sputtering, brushing or vacuum deposition.
The anode 2, which complements the cathode 1 in size and shape, is then placed over the coated surface in substantial alignment therewith and pressure is applied from outside both the anode 2 and the cathode 1, forcing their opposing surfaces into close proximity in spaced relationship, and causing the edges of the particles 3 to embed in the opposing surfaces of the anode and the cathode. As shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the particles is irregular and the edges of the particles 3 penetrate through the thin film coating 4 on the cathode 1. A resilient clamping means, such as a rubber cushioned vise, is used to force the anode and cathode together.
The seal 7 is then inserted between the peripheral edges of the anode and cathode, electrically separating these elements and forming a chamber 10a therebetween. A small opening is left in the seal 7 for evacuating the chamber 10a. The ceramic-to-metal seal may be accomplished by a brazing method such as described in US. Patent 2,836,885 to MacDonald.
Conductor leads 5 and 6 are then connected to the cathode 1 and the anode 2, respectively, by such means as soldering, fusion welding or minute bolts. The chamber 10a is then evacuated by means such as a high vacuum pump through the opening left for this purpose in the seal 7.
Evacuation of the chamber 10a causes the cathode 1 and the anode 2 to further bear against the particles 3, permanently disposing the particles in fixed positions between the opposing surfaces of the cathode 1 and the anode 2. The small opening in the seal 7 is then permanently sealed and the structure is removed from the resilient clamping means.
The cooling jacket 9 having a small diameter opening to allow for the passage of the conductor lead 6 from the cooled anode 2 is then disposed around anode 2. The conductor lead 6 is passed through the opening and drawn up tight and the peripheral edges of the cooling jacket are connected to the seal 7 by means such as the brazing method previously cited.
In some cases, the chamber 10a is filled with an inert gas or a plurality of ionizable gases. Such gases generally have low vapor pressure, and an external insulated clamping means may be added to hold the cathode 1 and the anode 2 in close spaced relationship.
In operation, thermal energy is applied from the heat source 8 to the cathode 1, bringing its temperature up to the operating range, 1000 K. to 4000 K. The heated cathode 1 emits electrons from its upper surface, aided by the effect of the coating 4. Emitted electrons are collected by the anode 2, and an builds up across the chamber 10a. Electric energy flows from the anode 2 through the conductor lead 6 to the resistance load which uses the generated electricity to function. As previously mentioned, a thermionic device has no moving parts, and is inherently a source of DC. electricity having low voltage and high amperage. The closely spaced relationship of the opposing surfaces of the anode 2 and the cathode 1 improves the thermionic efiiciency of this device by reducing the major obstacles to high density electron flow.
Another form of a thermionic device is shown in FIG. 4. A cathode plate 14, an anode-cathode plate 15, and an anode plate 16 are placed in thermal cascade to increase efficiency by utilizing excess thermal energy, which passes through the cathode plate 14 to heat the anodecathode plate 15. The plates 14, 15 and 16 are spaced apart by a plurality of particles 17, similar in composition and function to the particles 3 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the cascaded device is preferably circular, and the succeeding plates are progressively larger in surface area, as shown in FIG. 4, to maintain uniform current output per cell. The combination anode-cathode plate 1.5 serves a dual function in operation for its lower surface collects electrons emitted from the cathode plate 14, and its upper surface emits electrons which are collected by the anode plate 1.6. A seal 18 similar to the seal '7 in material and function separates and seals the edges of the plates and conductor leads 19 and 20 are connected only to the cathode plate 14 and the anode plate 16, respectively, and function as do the conductor leads 5 and 6 of the first embodiment. Assembly of this device is substantially as described above in connection with FIGURE 1, except the particles 17 are applied to both sides of the anode-cathode plate 15, before assembling the anode plate 16 and the cathode plate 14 on the opposite surfaces of the anodecathode plate 15.
FIG. 6 shows a second modified form of the invention in which the thermionic device has a radioactive cathode. A cylindrical radioactive cathode 19 is employed and is formed of a substance such as an uranium compound which readily generates heat when bombarded by neutrons, and emits electrons at a high rate. A cylindrical anode 20 is spaced outwardly of the radioactive cathode 19 and is formed of a metal, such as aluminum, which freely allows passage of neutrons through to the cathode 19. The anode 20 functions in a manner similar to the anode 2 of the first embodiment. A plurality of particles 21 in the size range from .2 to 1000 microns and substantially similar to the particles 3, are distributed between the opposing surfaces of the cathode 19 and the anode 20. A cylindrical jacket 22 surrounds the device, and is formed of an insulating material. A series of supporting members 23 position the cooling jacket 22 around the anode 20 and are fabricated from a material similar to that of cooling jacket 22. An oil coolant is introduced into the chamber 24- between jacket 22 and 7? anode 20 through an inlet and is withdrawn through outlet 26 during operation.
Conductor leads 27 and 28 are connected to the cath ode 19and the anode 20, respectively. The conductor leads 27 and 28 are insulated from the cooling jacket 22 by means of seals 29, which are substantially similar to the seal 7 of the first embodiment.
In operation, the thermionic device shown in FIG. 6 is placed in the core of an atomic reactor. Neutrons from the reactor bombard the radioactive cathode 19, passing through the cooling jacket 22 and the anode 28, which are both neutron windows. Neutron bombardment causes the cathode 19 to heat up and emit electrons, which are then collected by the closely spaced anode 211. This device effectively bypasses the intermediate step performed by turbines in the present conversion of nuclear power to electricity. It also eliminates the shielding problems inherent in turbines which use radioactive steam. This device also has the advantages described above in connection with the first embodiment, that is, it has no moving parts and inherently produces low volt-- age, high amperage current.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
I claim:
1. A thermionic converter, comprising an electron emitting cathode, an electron collecting anode disposed in spaced relation to said cathode, means for heating the cathode, a plurality of finely divided particles disposed between the opposing surfaces of the anode and cathode, said particles being haphazardly arranged between said opposing surfaces and having irregular edges penetrating and imbedded in conforming irregular openings in said surfaces to provide a substantially uniform spacing in a range from 0.2 to 1000 microns between said opposing surfaces, said particles having a melting point in 8 the range of 1000" K. to 4000 K. and having a high resistance to crushing and having electrical resistivity sufiiciently high to maintain electrical current losses through said particles at a minimum, and means for electrically connecting said anode and cathode in an operating circuit whereby the electrical energy generated by thermionic emission is utilized.
2. In a thermionic converter, comprising an electron emitting cathode, an electron collecting anode, heating means for heating the electron emitting cathode, cooling means for cooling the electron collecting anode to maintain a temperature differential between said anode and cathode, spacing means disposed between and in contact with the opposing surfaces of the cathode and the anode, said spacing means comprising finely divided particles of a substance selected from the group of metallic oxides consisting of A1 0 ZrO Si0 MgO, BeO and mixtures thereof and having a size in the range of 0.2 to 10 microns, said particles being randomly distributed between the opposing surfaces, being of irregular shape and having jagged edges penetrating and irnbedded in the opposing surfaces of said anode and cathode, whereby the thermal efiiciency of the thermionic converter is substantially increased by decreasing the electric potential barriers to electron flow from the electron emitting cathode to the electron collecting anode.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED sTATEs PATENTS 264,953 Edison Sept. 19, 1882 2,661,431 Linder Dec. 1, 1953 2,686,958 Eber Aug. 24, 1954 2,881,384 Durant Apr. 7, 1959 2,887,606 Diemer et al. May 19, 1959 2,899,590 Sorg Aug. 11, 1959 2,916,649 Levin Dec. 8, 1959 2,919,356 Fry Dec. 29, 1959
Claims (1)
1. A THERMIONIC CONVERTER, COMPRISING AN ELECTRON EMITTING CATHODE, AN ELECTRON COLLECTING ANODE DISPOSED IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID CATHODE, MEANS FOR HEATING THE CATHODE, A PLURALITY OF FINELY DIVIDED PARTICLES DISPOSED BETWEEN THE OPPOSING SURFACES OF THE ANODE AND CATHODE, SAID PARTICLES BEING HAPHAZARDLY ARRANGED BETWEEN SAID OPPOSING SURFACES AND HAVING IRREGULAR EDGES PENETRATING AND IMBEDDED IN CONFORMING IRREGULAR OPENINGS IN SAID SURFACES TO PROVIDE A SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM SPACING IN A RANGE FROM 0.2 TO 1000 MICRONS BETWEEN SAID OPPOSING SURFACES, SAID PARTICLES HAVING A MELTING POINT IN THE RANGE OF 1000* K. TO 4000* K. AND HAVING A HIGH RESISTANCE TO CRUSHING AND HAVING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TO MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOSSES THROUGH SAID PARTICLES AT A MINIMUM, AND MEANS FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING SAID ANODE AND CATHODE IN AN OPERATING CIRCUIT WHEREBY THE ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATED BY THERMIONIC EMISSION IS UTILIZED.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US839702A US3173032A (en) | 1959-09-14 | 1959-09-14 | Means for close placement of electrode plates in a thermionic converter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US839702A US3173032A (en) | 1959-09-14 | 1959-09-14 | Means for close placement of electrode plates in a thermionic converter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3173032A true US3173032A (en) | 1965-03-09 |
Family
ID=25280438
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US839702A Expired - Lifetime US3173032A (en) | 1959-09-14 | 1959-09-14 | Means for close placement of electrode plates in a thermionic converter |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3173032A (en) |
Cited By (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3444400A (en) * | 1964-11-25 | 1969-05-13 | Siemens Ag | Thermionic converter |
US4667126A (en) * | 1982-11-26 | 1987-05-19 | Rasor Associates, Inc. | Thermionic converter |
US5994638A (en) * | 1996-12-19 | 1999-11-30 | Borealis Technical Limited | Method and apparatus for thermionic generator |
EP1166369A1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2002-01-02 | Eneco, Inc. | Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method |
US6396191B1 (en) | 1999-03-11 | 2002-05-28 | Eneco, Inc. | Thermal diode for energy conversion |
WO2003021758A2 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2003-03-13 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermotunnel converter |
EP1373696A2 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2004-01-02 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermionic automobile |
US20040050415A1 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2004-03-18 | Eneco Inc. | Tunneling-effect energy converters |
US6720704B1 (en) | 1997-09-08 | 2004-04-13 | Boreaiis Technical Limited | Thermionic vacuum diode device with adjustable electrodes |
US20040099304A1 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2004-05-27 | Cox Isaiah Watas | Thermionic power unit |
US6779347B2 (en) | 2001-05-21 | 2004-08-24 | C.P. Baker Securities, Inc. | Solid-state thermionic refrigeration |
US20040189141A1 (en) * | 1997-09-08 | 2004-09-30 | Avto Tavkhelidze | Thermionic vacuum diode device with adjustable electrodes |
US20040207037A1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2004-10-21 | Eneco, Inc. | Solid state energy converter |
US20050184603A1 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2005-08-25 | Martsinovsky Artemi M. | Thermotunnel converter with spacers between the electrodes |
US20060006515A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Cox Isaiah W | Conical housing |
US20060038290A1 (en) * | 1997-09-08 | 2006-02-23 | Avto Tavkhelidze | Process for making electrode pairs |
US20060226731A1 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2006-10-12 | Rider Nicholas A | Thermotunneling devices for motorcycle cooling and power |
WO2007008059A2 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-18 | Innovy | Energy converting apparatus, generator and heat pump provided therewith and method of production thereof |
US20070013055A1 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2007-01-18 | Walitzki Hans J | Chip cooling |
US20070053394A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-03-08 | Cox Isaiah W | Cooling device using direct deposition of diode heat pump |
US20070192812A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-16 | John Pickens | Method and system for streaming digital video content to a client in a digital video network |
US7427786B1 (en) | 2006-01-24 | 2008-09-23 | Borealis Technical Limited | Diode device utilizing bellows |
US20090205695A1 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2009-08-20 | Tempronics, Inc. | Energy Conversion Device |
US20090322221A1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2009-12-31 | Tempronics, Inc. | Closely Spaced Electrodes with a Uniform Gap |
US7904581B2 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2011-03-08 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Fast channel change with conditional return to multicasting |
US20110226299A1 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2011-09-22 | Tarek Makansi | Device for energy conversion, electrical switching, and thermal switching |
US8816192B1 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2014-08-26 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thin film solar cell |
US8969703B2 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2015-03-03 | Tempronics, Inc. | Distributed thermoelectric string and insulating panel |
US9596944B2 (en) | 2011-07-06 | 2017-03-21 | Tempronics, Inc. | Integration of distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US9638442B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2017-05-02 | Tempronics, Inc. | Medical, topper, pet wireless, and automated manufacturing of distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US9676310B2 (en) | 2012-09-25 | 2017-06-13 | Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc | Vehicle seat with thermal device |
WO2019023268A1 (en) * | 2017-07-24 | 2019-01-31 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US10228165B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2019-03-12 | Tempronics, Inc. | Thermoelectric string, panel, and covers for function and durability |
CN110603622A (en) * | 2017-05-02 | 2019-12-20 | 火花热离子学公司 | System and method for work function reduction and thermionic energy conversion |
US20200294780A1 (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2020-09-17 | Modern Electron, LLC | Combined heating and power modules and devices |
US11264144B2 (en) | 2020-05-06 | 2022-03-01 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for thermionic energy conversion |
US20220139687A1 (en) * | 2020-01-23 | 2022-05-05 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US11688593B2 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2023-06-27 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for thermionic energy conversion |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US264953A (en) * | 1882-09-26 | Shoe-nail | ||
US2661431A (en) * | 1951-08-03 | 1953-12-01 | Rca Corp | Nuclear electrical generator |
US2686958A (en) * | 1950-11-14 | 1954-08-24 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Method of coating and bonding |
US2881384A (en) * | 1958-08-26 | 1959-04-07 | Lyndon A Durant | Thermal electric alternator |
US2887606A (en) * | 1953-06-12 | 1959-05-19 | Philips Corp | Electron tube for decimetre-and centimetre-waves |
US2899590A (en) * | 1959-08-11 | Ceramic vacuum tube | ||
US2916649A (en) * | 1957-06-12 | 1959-12-08 | Itt | Electron gun structure |
US2919356A (en) * | 1955-11-02 | 1959-12-29 | William J Fry | Thermoelectric transducer |
-
1959
- 1959-09-14 US US839702A patent/US3173032A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US264953A (en) * | 1882-09-26 | Shoe-nail | ||
US2899590A (en) * | 1959-08-11 | Ceramic vacuum tube | ||
US2686958A (en) * | 1950-11-14 | 1954-08-24 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Method of coating and bonding |
US2661431A (en) * | 1951-08-03 | 1953-12-01 | Rca Corp | Nuclear electrical generator |
US2887606A (en) * | 1953-06-12 | 1959-05-19 | Philips Corp | Electron tube for decimetre-and centimetre-waves |
US2919356A (en) * | 1955-11-02 | 1959-12-29 | William J Fry | Thermoelectric transducer |
US2916649A (en) * | 1957-06-12 | 1959-12-08 | Itt | Electron gun structure |
US2881384A (en) * | 1958-08-26 | 1959-04-07 | Lyndon A Durant | Thermal electric alternator |
Cited By (70)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3444400A (en) * | 1964-11-25 | 1969-05-13 | Siemens Ag | Thermionic converter |
US4667126A (en) * | 1982-11-26 | 1987-05-19 | Rasor Associates, Inc. | Thermionic converter |
US5994638A (en) * | 1996-12-19 | 1999-11-30 | Borealis Technical Limited | Method and apparatus for thermionic generator |
US20060038290A1 (en) * | 1997-09-08 | 2006-02-23 | Avto Tavkhelidze | Process for making electrode pairs |
US20040189141A1 (en) * | 1997-09-08 | 2004-09-30 | Avto Tavkhelidze | Thermionic vacuum diode device with adjustable electrodes |
US7658772B2 (en) | 1997-09-08 | 2010-02-09 | Borealis Technical Limited | Process for making electrode pairs |
US6720704B1 (en) | 1997-09-08 | 2004-04-13 | Boreaiis Technical Limited | Thermionic vacuum diode device with adjustable electrodes |
US6396191B1 (en) | 1999-03-11 | 2002-05-28 | Eneco, Inc. | Thermal diode for energy conversion |
US7109408B2 (en) | 1999-03-11 | 2006-09-19 | Eneco, Inc. | Solid state energy converter |
US20030184188A1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2003-10-02 | Eneco, Inc. | Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method |
US7569763B2 (en) | 1999-03-11 | 2009-08-04 | Micropower Global Limited | Solid state energy converter |
US20070024154A1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2007-02-01 | Eneco, Inc. | Solid state energy converter |
US6489704B1 (en) | 1999-03-11 | 2002-12-03 | Eneco, Inc. | Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method |
US6906449B2 (en) | 1999-03-11 | 2005-06-14 | C.P. Baker Securities, Inc. | Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method |
EP1166369A1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2002-01-02 | Eneco, Inc. | Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method |
US20040207037A1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2004-10-21 | Eneco, Inc. | Solid state energy converter |
EP1166369A4 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2006-12-27 | Eneco Inc | Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method |
US7419022B2 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2008-09-02 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermionic power unit |
US20040099304A1 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2004-05-27 | Cox Isaiah Watas | Thermionic power unit |
EP1373696A2 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2004-01-02 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermionic automobile |
EP1373696A4 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2006-07-12 | Borealis Tech Ltd | Thermionic automobile |
US6779347B2 (en) | 2001-05-21 | 2004-08-24 | C.P. Baker Securities, Inc. | Solid-state thermionic refrigeration |
US6876123B2 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2005-04-05 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermotunnel converter with spacers between the electrodes |
US20050184603A1 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2005-08-25 | Martsinovsky Artemi M. | Thermotunnel converter with spacers between the electrodes |
WO2003021758A3 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2003-12-24 | Borealis Tech Ltd | Thermotunnel converter |
WO2003021758A2 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2003-03-13 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermotunnel converter |
EP1547234A2 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2005-06-29 | Eneco, Inc. | Tunneling-effect energy converters |
US6946596B2 (en) | 2002-09-13 | 2005-09-20 | Kucherov Yan R | Tunneling-effect energy converters |
EP1547234A4 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2008-10-22 | Eneco Inc | Tunneling-effect energy converters |
US20040050415A1 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2004-03-18 | Eneco Inc. | Tunneling-effect energy converters |
US20060006515A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Cox Isaiah W | Conical housing |
US7904581B2 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2011-03-08 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Fast channel change with conditional return to multicasting |
US20060226731A1 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2006-10-12 | Rider Nicholas A | Thermotunneling devices for motorcycle cooling and power |
US7798268B2 (en) | 2005-03-03 | 2010-09-21 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermotunneling devices for motorcycle cooling and power generation |
US20070013055A1 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2007-01-18 | Walitzki Hans J | Chip cooling |
US7589348B2 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2009-09-15 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thermal tunneling gap diode with integrated spacers and vacuum seal |
US20080203849A1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2008-08-28 | Innovy | Energy Converting Apparatus, Generator and Heat Pump Provided Therewith and Method of Production Thereof |
WO2007008059A3 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-11-29 | Innovy | Energy converting apparatus, generator and heat pump provided therewith and method of production thereof |
WO2007008059A2 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-18 | Innovy | Energy converting apparatus, generator and heat pump provided therewith and method of production thereof |
US7969062B2 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2011-06-28 | Innovy | Energy converting apparatus, generator and heat pump provided therewith and method of production thereof |
US20070053394A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-03-08 | Cox Isaiah W | Cooling device using direct deposition of diode heat pump |
US7427786B1 (en) | 2006-01-24 | 2008-09-23 | Borealis Technical Limited | Diode device utilizing bellows |
US20070192812A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-16 | John Pickens | Method and system for streaming digital video content to a client in a digital video network |
US8713195B2 (en) | 2006-02-10 | 2014-04-29 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Method and system for streaming digital video content to a client in a digital video network |
US20090322221A1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2009-12-31 | Tempronics, Inc. | Closely Spaced Electrodes with a Uniform Gap |
US8102096B2 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2012-01-24 | Tempronics, Inc. | Closely spaced electrodes with a uniform gap |
US8816192B1 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2014-08-26 | Borealis Technical Limited | Thin film solar cell |
US20090205695A1 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2009-08-20 | Tempronics, Inc. | Energy Conversion Device |
US20110226299A1 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2011-09-22 | Tarek Makansi | Device for energy conversion, electrical switching, and thermal switching |
US9989282B2 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2018-06-05 | Tempronics, Inc. | Distributed thermoelectric string and insulating panel |
US8969703B2 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2015-03-03 | Tempronics, Inc. | Distributed thermoelectric string and insulating panel |
US10571162B2 (en) | 2011-07-06 | 2020-02-25 | Tempronics, Inc. | Integration of distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US9596944B2 (en) | 2011-07-06 | 2017-03-21 | Tempronics, Inc. | Integration of distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US9638442B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2017-05-02 | Tempronics, Inc. | Medical, topper, pet wireless, and automated manufacturing of distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling |
US9676310B2 (en) | 2012-09-25 | 2017-06-13 | Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc | Vehicle seat with thermal device |
US10830507B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2020-11-10 | Tempronics, Inc. | Thermoelectric string, panel, and covers for function and durability |
US10228165B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2019-03-12 | Tempronics, Inc. | Thermoelectric string, panel, and covers for function and durability |
US11552233B2 (en) * | 2017-05-02 | 2023-01-10 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for work function reduction and thermionic energy conversion |
JP2020520094A (en) * | 2017-05-02 | 2020-07-02 | スパーク サーミオニックス, インコーポレイテッドSpark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for work function reduction and thermionic energy conversion |
CN110603622A (en) * | 2017-05-02 | 2019-12-20 | 火花热离子学公司 | System and method for work function reduction and thermionic energy conversion |
JP7121364B2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2022-08-18 | スパーク サーミオニックス,インコーポレイテッド | Systems and methods for work function reduction and thermionic energy conversion |
WO2019023268A1 (en) * | 2017-07-24 | 2019-01-31 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US11170984B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2021-11-09 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US11791143B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2023-10-17 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US11688593B2 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2023-06-27 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for thermionic energy conversion |
US20200294780A1 (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2020-09-17 | Modern Electron, LLC | Combined heating and power modules and devices |
US20220139687A1 (en) * | 2020-01-23 | 2022-05-05 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US11791142B2 (en) * | 2020-01-23 | 2023-10-17 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | Small gap device system and method of fabrication |
US11264144B2 (en) | 2020-05-06 | 2022-03-01 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for thermionic energy conversion |
US11935667B2 (en) | 2020-05-06 | 2024-03-19 | Spark Thermionics, Inc. | System and method for thermionic energy conversion |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US3173032A (en) | Means for close placement of electrode plates in a thermionic converter | |
US3169200A (en) | Thermotunnel converter | |
US2980819A (en) | Thermal energy converter | |
US4667126A (en) | Thermionic converter | |
US3376437A (en) | Thermionic conversion means | |
US3437847A (en) | Cascaded thermionic-thermoelectric devices utilizing heat pipes | |
GB922789A (en) | Low temperature thermionic energy converter | |
US3430079A (en) | Cascaded thermionic converter | |
US3267307A (en) | Magnetically channeled plasma diode heat converter | |
US3194989A (en) | Thermionic power conversion devices | |
US3189765A (en) | Combined thermionic-thermoelectric converter | |
US3702408A (en) | Multi-converter thermionic energy module | |
US2863074A (en) | Thermo-electric generator | |
US3201619A (en) | Nuclear thermionic converter | |
US3324314A (en) | Devices for the conversion of thermal energy into electric energy | |
US2407857A (en) | X-ray tube | |
US3330974A (en) | Power generation apparatus | |
US2913510A (en) | Radioactive battery | |
US3089079A (en) | Method and apparatus for electrical power generation | |
US4506183A (en) | High thermal power density heat transfer apparatus providing electrical isolation at high temperature using heat pipes | |
US3401064A (en) | Electrical power generator system | |
US3179822A (en) | Thermionic energy converters | |
US4024410A (en) | Alternating current energy converter | |
US3161786A (en) | System for the direct production of electricity in atomic reactors | |
US3299299A (en) | Apparatus for generating electrical energy by the application of heat |